Providing access to a collection via a plurality of discrete machine-recognizable codes

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing access to a collection of related binary files via a collection of machine-recognizable codes provided on a device or consumer item.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/208,231, filed Aug. 11, 2011 and titled PROVIDING ACCESS TO ACOLLECTION VIA A PLURALITY OF DISCRETE MACHINE-RECOGNIZABLE CODES, whichis incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods forproviding a user with access to a collection of binary files via acollection of machine-recognizable codes. In particular, the presentinvention relates to systems and methods for modifying a consumer goodto include a plurality of machine-recognizable codes, wherein eachdiscrete machine-recognizable code is linked to a discrete binary file.In turn, each binary file comprises a member of a related collection ofbinary files, herein referred to as a “collection.” Using a smartdevice, a user accesses a discrete binary file by scanning a discretemachine-recognizable code linked to the discrete binary file.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, machine-recognizable codes (MRCs) are used for inventorycontrol purposes or point of sale automation. The utilization usuallyrequires scanners manufactured for certain code types to perform thescanning mechanism to decode and match with connected database serversfor pricing or other pre-determined tasks like warehouse stocking andinventory.

However, with advent and broad expanse of smart devices, such assmartphones, multimedia players and handheld computers, MRC are nowbeing used to disseminate all types of information, to all types ofusers. MRCs now commonly appear in magazines, on signs, buses, businesscards, television screens, or almost any object about which users mightneed information. Smart devices equipped with a camera and the correctreader application can scan the image of the MRC to display text,contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a webpage inthe smart device's browser. Generally, the MRC either provides the userwith a narrow piece or information, or provides the user with access toa website or software program whereby the user may obtain additionalinformation by performing additional directed searches, or by browsing.Thus, the users must rely on their own skills and aptitude to collectdesired information beyond that provided by the MRC.

Thus, while system and methods currently exist for disseminatinginformation via MRC technologies, challenges still exist. Accordingly,it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace currenttechniques with other techniques.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods forproviding a user with access to a collection of binary files via acollection of machine-recognizable codes. In particular, the presentinvention relates to systems and methods for modifying a consumer goodto include a plurality of machine-recognizable codes, wherein eachdiscrete machine-recognizable code is linked to a discrete binary file.In turn, each binary file comprises a member of a related collection ofbinary files, herein referred to as a “collection.” Using a smartdevice, a user accesses a discrete binary file by scanning a discretemachine-recognizable code linked to the discrete binary file.

Some aspects of the present invention provide an system whereby acollection of related binary files are individually linked to acollection MRCs, wherein the collection of MRCs are provided orotherwise made accessible on a device or consumer item. Thus, a useraccesses binary file members of the collection of related binary filesby scanning or detecting discrete MRCs of the collection of MRCs. Theuser is therefore provided with access to an entire collection ofrelated binary files by purchasing or otherwise having access to theconsumer item.

The present invention further includes methods for camouflaging thecollection of MRCs within a pattern or functional aspect of the consumeritem. In some implementations, a device or consumer item includes afirst discrete MRC linked to a first discrete binary file of acollection of related binary files, and further includes a seconddiscrete MRC linked to a second discrete binary file of the collectionof related binary files.

Some aspects of the present invention further provide a system forenabling a user to access a collection of related binary files, thesystem including a device or consumer item having a plurality of MRCindividually linked to a plurality of discrete binary files of acollection of binary files, the system further including a computerdevice having a computer-readable medium for storing a computerexecutable software program for providing access to a discrete binaryfile of a collection of related binary files, the program includinginstructions for recognizing a discrete MRC, locating a databasecomprising a collection of related binary files, retrieving the discretebinary file linked to the recognized discrete MRC, and displaying theretrieved discrete binary file on the computer device.

Further, some aspects of the invention provide software, recorded on acomputer-readable medium, for enabling a user to access a collection ofrelated binary files, the software performing the steps of 1)recognizing a first discrete MRC, 2) establishing communication with adatabase comprising a collection of related binary files, 3) locatingwithin the collection of related binary files a discrete binary filelinked to the first discrete MRC, 4) retrieving the discrete binary filelinked to the first MRC, 5) displaying the retrieved discrete binaryfiled linked to the first MRC on a smart device, 6) recognizing a seconddiscrete MRC, 7) establishing communication with the database containingthe collection of related binary files, 8) locating within thecollection of related binary files the discrete binary file linked tothe second MRC, 9) retrieving the discrete binary file linked to thesecond discrete MRC, and 10) displaying the retrieved discrete binaryfile lined to the second discrete MRC on the smart device.

In some implementations of the present invention, a collection ofrelated binary files is provided which may include a collection ofstories, a collection of articles, a collection of photos, a collectionof images, a collection of paintings, a collection of drawings, acollection of reports, a collection of songs, a collection of texts, acollection of multimedia files, a collection of videos, and/or acollection of executable programs. Further, in some embodiments thecollection of related binary files are related based upon at least oneof a common author, a common theme, a common character, a common subjectmatter, a common owner, and a common brand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other featuresand advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood,a more particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tolimit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative system that provides a suitableoperating environment for use of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a representative networked system for use inassociation with various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for retrieving a discrete binary file of acollection of related binary files is shown in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for linking a collection of related binaryfiles to a collection of machine-recognizable codes in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method by which a smart device detects amachine-recognizable code and retrieves a discrete binary file fromcollection of related binary files in accordance with a representativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for storing, maintaining and providingaccess to a collection of related binary files in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system in which a binary file is retrieved from acollection of related binary files stored on a database server via anetworked connection in accordance with a representative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8, shown in parts A-C, illustrates a consumer item having acollection of machine-recognizable codes provided thereon in accordancewith various representative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a food packaging item having a collection ofmachine-recognizable codes provided thereon in accordance with arepresentative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be best understood byreference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements. It will be readilyunderstood that the components of the present invention, as generallydescribed and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, thefollowing more detailed description, as represented in the figures, isnot intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but ismerely representative of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention.

As used herein, the term “binary file” is understood to include acomputer file which may include any type of data, encoded in a binaryform for computer storage and processing purposes.

As used herein, the term “container format” is understood to include ameta-file format whose specification describes how different dataelements and metadata coexist in a computer or binary file.

As used herein, the term “collection” is understood to include a groupof related binary files and corresponding machine-recognizable codes,wherein the collection is defined by a relationship which exists betweenthe various discrete binary files.

As used herein, the term “discrete” is understood to include a singlebinary file of a collection of related binary files. The term is furtherunderstood to include a single machine-recognizable code whichcorresponds or is linked to a discrete binary file of a collection.

As used herein, the term “device” or “consumer item” is understood toinclude any item on which a machine-recognizable code may be displayed,printed, reproduced, imaged, provided, scanned, viewed and/or captured,such that the machine-recognizable code is detectable by a computerdevice.

As used herein, the term “computer device” or “smart device” isunderstood to include a personal computer, a notebook computer, apersonal digital assistant (“PDA”) or other hand-held device, aworkstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, amulti-processor system, a computer-based device, a network computer, aprocessor-based consumer electronic device, a smartphone, and the like.

As used herein, the term “machine-recognizable code” or “MRC” isunderstood to include any technology which comprises a machine-readablerepresentation of data which includes instructions or information thatis deciphered by a dedicated MRC reader, a smartphone, or anyprocessor-based device having optics or other hardware/softwareconfigurations to detect or “read” the MRC, such as a webcam.Non-limiting examples of MRCs include QR codes, barcodes, matrixbarcodes, high capacity color barcodes, stacked barcodes, EZcode,MaxiCode, Aztec Code, and radio frequency identification (RFID)technologies.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and the corresponding discussion, ageneral description of a suitable operating environment is provided inwhich embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the invention maybe practiced by one or more computing devices and in a variety of systemconfigurations, including in a networked configuration. However, whilethe methods and processes of the present invention have proven to beparticularly useful in association with a system comprising a generalpurpose computer, embodiments of the present invention includeutilization of the methods and processes in a variety of environments,including embedded systems with general purpose processing units,digital/media signal processors (DSP/MSP), application specificintegrated circuits (ASIC), stand alone electronic devices, and othersuch electronic environments.

Embodiments of the present invention embrace one or more computerreadable media, wherein each medium may be configured to include orincludes thereon data or computer executable instructions formanipulating data. The computer executable instructions include datastructures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules thatmay be accessed by a processing system, such as one associated with ageneral-purpose computer capable of performing various differentfunctions or one associated with a special-purpose computer capable ofperforming a limited number of functions. Computer executableinstructions cause the processing system to perform a particularfunction or group of functions and are examples of program code meansfor implementing steps for methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, aparticular sequence of the executable instructions provides an exampleof corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps. Examplesof computer readable media include random-access memory (“RAM”),read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”),erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory(“CD-ROM”), or any other device or component that is capable ofproviding data or executable instructions that may be accessed by aprocessing system.

With reference to FIG. 1, a representative system for implementingembodiments of the invention includes computer device 10, which may be ageneral-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, computerdevice 10 may be a personal computer, a notebook computer, a personaldigital assistant (“PDA”) or other hand-held device, a workstation, aminicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, a multi-processor system, anetwork computer, a processor-based consumer electronic device, a smartphone, a position identifier, a ball collector, or the like.

Computer device 10 may include a system bus 12, which may be configuredto connect various components thereof and enables data to be exchangedbetween two or more components. System bus 12 may include one of avariety of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, or a local bus that uses any of a variety of busarchitectures. Typical components connected by system bus 12 includeprocessing system 14 and memory 16. Other components may include one ormore mass storage device interfaces 18, input interfaces 20, outputinterfaces 22, and/or network interfaces 24, each of which will bediscussed below.

Processing system 14 includes one or more processors, such as a centralprocessor and optionally one or more other processors designed toperform a particular function or task. It is typically processing system14 that executes the instructions provided on computer readable media,such as on memory 16, a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, amagnetic cassette, an optical disk, thumb drives, solid state memory, auniversal serial bus or from a communication connection, which may alsobe viewed as a computer readable medium.

Memory 16 includes one or more computer readable media that may beconfigured to include or includes thereon data or instructions formanipulating data, and may be accessed by processing system 14 throughsystem bus 12. Memory 16 may include, for example, ROM 28, used topermanently store information, and/or RAM 30, used to temporarily storeinformation. ROM 28 may include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”)having one or more routines that are used to establish communication,such as during start-up of computer device 10. RAM 30 may include one ormore program modules, such as one or more operating systems, applicationprograms, and/or program data.

One or more mass storage device interfaces 18 may be used to connect oneor more mass storage devices 26 to system bus 12. The mass storagedevices 26 may be incorporated into or may be peripheral to computerdevice 10 and allow computer device 10 to retain large amounts of data.Optionally, one or more of the mass storage devices 26 may be removablefrom computer device 10. Examples of mass storage devices include harddisk drives, magnetic disk drives, thumb drive tape drives and opticaldisk drives. A mass storage device 26 may read from and/or write to amagnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, anoptical disk, or another computer readable medium. Mass storage devices26 and their corresponding computer readable media provide nonvolatilestorage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one ormore program modules such as an operating system, one or moreapplication programs, other program modules, or program data. Suchexecutable instructions are examples of program code means forimplementing steps for methods disclosed herein.

One or more input interfaces 20 may be employed to enable a user toenter data and/or instructions to computer device 10 through one or morecorresponding input devices 32. Examples of such input devices include akeyboard and alternate input devices, such as a mouse, trackball, lightpen, stylus, or other pointing device, a microphone, a joystick, a gamepad, a satellite dish, a scanner, a camcorder, a digital camera, and thelike. Similarly, examples of input interfaces 20 that may be used toconnect the input devices 32 to the system bus 12 include a serial port,a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus (“USB”), anintegrated circuit, a firewire (IEEE 1394), or another interface. Forexample, in some embodiments input interface 20 includes an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is designed for a particularapplication. In a further embodiment, the ASIC is embedded and connectsexisting circuit building blocks.

One or more output interfaces 22 may be employed to connect one or morecorresponding output devices 34 to system bus 12. Examples of outputdevices include a monitor or display screen, a speaker, a printer, amulti-functional peripheral, and the like. A particular output device 34may be integrated with or peripheral to computer device 10. Examples ofoutput interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallelport, and the like.

One or more network interfaces 24 enable computer device 10 to exchangeinformation with one or more other local or remote computer devices,illustrated as computer devices 36, via a network 38 that may includehardwired and/or wireless links. Examples of network interfaces includea network adapter for connection to a local area network (“LAN”) or amodem, wireless link, or other adapter for connection to a wide areanetwork (“WAN”), such as the Internet. The network interface 24 may beincorporated with or peripheral to computer device 10. In a networkedsystem, accessible program modules or portions thereof may be stored ina remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in a networked systemcomputer device 10 may participate in a distributed computingenvironment, where functions or tasks are performed by a plurality ofnetworked computer devices.

Thus, while those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments ofthe present invention may be practiced in a variety of differentenvironments with many types of system configurations, FIG. 2 provides arepresentative networked system configuration that may be used inassociation with embodiments of the present invention. Therepresentative system of FIG. 2 includes a computer device, illustratedas client 40, which is connected to one or more other computer devices(illustrated as client 42 and client 44) and one or more peripheraldevices (illustrated as multifunctional peripheral (MFP) MFP 46) acrossnetwork 38. While FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment that includes aclient 40, two additional clients, client 42 and client 44, oneperipheral device, MFP 46, and optionally a server 48, connected tonetwork 38, alternative embodiments include more or fewer clients, morethan one peripheral device, no peripheral devices, no server 48, and/ormore than one server 48 connected to network 38. Other embodiments ofthe present invention include local, networked, or peer-to-peerenvironments where one or more computer devices may be connected to oneor more local or remote peripheral devices. Moreover, embodiments inaccordance with the present invention also embrace a single electronicconsumer device, wireless networked environments, and/or wide areanetworked environments, such as the Internet.

Various embodiments of the present invention may be utilized to providea user with access to a desired, discrete binary file from a collectionof related discrete binary files stored within a database on a server.In some embodiments the discrete binary file comprises formatted orplain text. In other embodiments, the discrete binary file is an audiofile, such as a music or audio recording. In other embodiments thediscrete binary file comprises a video file. Further, in someembodiments the discrete binary file comprises an audio/video ormultimedia file.

In some embodiments, the discrete binary file is a container format usedto identify and interleave different data types. For example, in someembodiments the discrete binary file comprises a container format thatis exclusive to audio data, such as AIFF, WAV and XMF formats. In otherembodiments, the discrete binary file comprises a container format thatis exclusive to still image data, such as FITS and TIFF formats. Furtherstill, in other embodiments the discrete binary file comprises aflexible or multi-media container which is capable of holding many typesof audio, video and other media data, such as 3GP, ASF, AVI, DVR-MS,FLV, F4V, IFF, JPEG 2000, MPEG, MPEG-2, MP4, Ogg, RM, NUT, MXF, GXF,ratDVD, SVI, VOB and DivX media formats.

In general, a database is provided within which is stored a collectionof related binary files. In some embodiments, the database is locatedlocally within a computer device which is used to detect a discretemachine recognizable code (MRC). In other embodiments, the database islocated remotely on a server that is accessible via a networkconnection.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systemswhereby a plurality of MRCs are individually linked to a plurality ofdiscrete binary files, wherein each of the discrete binary filescomprise a member of a collection of related binary files. A desired,discrete binary file of the collection of related binary files is thenaccessed by scanning or otherwise detecting the MRC that is individuallyor specifically linked to desire binary file of the collection. In someembodiments, the MRC is detected using a smart device, such as ahandheld device or other computer processor-based device. Once the MRCis detected, the smart device is used to access the desired binary file.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a method 100 for retrieving a discrete binaryfile of a collection is show. In some embodiments a plurality of MRCs ispresented to a user by printing or otherwise providing the collection ofMRCs on a consumer item or other device 102. A consumer item or otherdevice may include an item on which a MRC may be displayed, printed,reproduces, imaged, provided, scanned, viewed and/or captured, such thatthe MRC is detectable by a computer device. Non-limiting examples ofconsumer products or other devices may include an article of clothing,packaging materials, a book, a toy, memorabilia, bedding, school oroffice supplies, a container, wall paper, a computer screen, and apublication. For example, in some embodiments an item of clothing ismodified to include the collection of MRCs, wherein each discrete MRC ofthe collection is linked to a discrete binary file of a collection ofrelated binary files. In other embodiments, a book is modified toinclude the collection MRCs. Further, in some embodiments an insert of acompact disc or digital video disc is modified to include the collectionof MRCs. The user thereby gains access to a discrete binary file of thecollection of related binary files by scanning or otherwise detecting adiscrete MRC which is accessible via the consumer item or other device104.

In some embodiments, the collection of MRCs are printed or otherwisepresented openly on the consumer item, whereby the MRCs are easilydetected and scanned by a compatible smart device. In other embodiments,the collection of MRCs are camouflaged within a pattern or design of theconsumer item, such that the presence of MRCs on the consumer device isnot apparent. For example, in some embodiments the collection of MRCs isintegrated into a pattern or design of the consumer item. In otherembodiments, the design or pattern of the consumer item is comprisedentirely or partially of the collection of MRCs. Thus, in someembodiments the presence of the collection of MRCs does not detract froma desired appearance of the consumer item.

In some embodiments, a discrete MRC is detected or scanned with a smartdevice 104 in order to gain access to a discrete binary file of acollection of related binary files 106. In some embodiments, the MRCcontains instructions or information encoded within the MRC. Forexample, in some embodiments the MRC comprises text that is reproducedby the smart device and made available to a user. In other embodiments,the MRC comprises a web address that directs the smart device to accessa website which presents the binary file to the user. In someembodiments, the MRC comprises a remote address that directs the smartdevice to access a binary file stored in a remote database. Further, insome embodiments the MRC comprises a local address that directs thesmart device to access a binary file that is stored in a database orfile located on the smart device.

Once the binary file has been accessed by the smart device, the contentsof the binary file are extracted, processed and presented to the user onthe smart device until access is completed 108. Following completion ofthe binary file, additional discrete binary files of the collection ofrelated binary files may be accessed 110 by detecting or scanningadditional discrete MRCs from the collection of discrete MRCs 104. Insome embodiments, the smart device accesses the discrete binary file 108until a second or additional discrete MRC is detected by the smartdevice 110, 104. Where no additional discrete MRC is detected, themethod for retrieving members of the collection of binary files isterminated 112.

In some embodiments, the member binary files of the collection ofrelated binary files are changed or cycled, such that collection ofbinary files is dynamic in nature. For example, in some embodiments acollection of discrete MRCs is linked to a first collection of relatedbinary files during a first period of time, and linked to a secondcollection of related binary files during a second period of time. Thus,the collection of binary files may be changed to suit the needs or wantsof a user. For example, in some embodiments a collection of binary filesis changed or altered to reflect a holiday, a season or a special event,such as a birthday. Additionally, the collection of binary files may bechanged based upon the age of the owner of the consumer item. Forexample, where the consumer item is a backpack, and the collection ofbinary files comprises educational material, such as study aids, thecollection of binary files may be changed as the student moves to adifferent grade. Thus, the student may access a new or augmentedcollection of information (i.e.: binary files) using an existingconsumer item and existing MRCs.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a method 200 for linking a collection ofrelated binary files to a collection of MRCs is shown. In someembodiments, a group of related binary files is identified as acollection 201. Non-limiting examples of related binary files whichcomprise a collection include a group of related music files (such as amusic album), a group of related picture files, a group of related videofiles, a group of related executable programs, a group of related textfiles (such as a collection of short stories, or bedtime stories), agroup of related webpages, a group of related recipes, a group ofrelated multimedia files, a group of educational content, and a group offiles having a common author, subject, theme, character or owner.

One having skill in the art will appreciate that the method by which agroup of discrete binary files is determined to comprise a collection isnot limited to the above examples. Rather, the collection is determinedby grouping the discrete binary files based upon some understanding of arelationship or commonality which exists between the subject matter ofthe discrete binary files when viewed as a collection. In someembodiments, a collection of related binary files comprises two binaryfiles. In other embodiments, a collection of related binary filescomprises more than two binary files. Each individual or discrete binaryfile of the collection of related binary files comprises a member of thecollection. Thus, the collection of related binary files is defined bythe interrelatedness of the individual binary files which make up thecollection, and not the number of related binary files in thecollection.

Once the collection of binary files has been provided 202, a collectionof discrete MRCs is provided 204, wherein the number of discrete MRCs isequal to the number of discrete binary files which comprise thecollection. A process of assignment is then performed wherein eachdiscrete binary file is assigned and linked to a discrete MRC 204. Assuch, when a discrete MRC is detected by a smart device, theinstructions contained within the discrete MRC provide the smart devicewith access to the linked binary file.

In some embodiments, a computer executable program is provided foraccessing the collection of discrete binary files by scanning the linkeddiscrete MRCs with a smart device 206. For example, in some embodimentsthis step 206 comprises providing a software application that is loadedon the smart device, whereby the smart device is enabled to recognizeand execute instructions contained within the MRC to locate and gainaccess to the linked binary file. An application may be downloaded andinstalled on the smart device by a consumer. Alternatively, the smartdevice may comprise a dedicated MRC reader and output device, whereinthe software application comprises a firmware of the smart device.

In some embodiments a smart device is provided having software andhardware capabilities for detecting a MRC and following instructionscontained therein. In some embodiments, a smart device comprises asoftware application, recorded on a computer-readable medium, forenabling a user to access a collection of related binary files, thesoftware performing the steps of 1) recognizing a discrete MRC, 2)establishing communication with a database comprising a collection ofrelated binary files, 3) locating within the collection of relatedbinary files a discrete binary file lined to the discrete MRC, and 4)retrieving the discrete binary file linked to the discrete MRC, 5)displaying the retrieved binary file on a smart device. In someembodiments, the software further performs steps for scanning additionalMRCs and locating, retrieving and displaying the contents of the binaryfiles on the smart device, wherein the binary file comprise a collectionof related binary files.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a method 300 by which a smart device detects aMRC and retrieves a discrete binary file from a collection of relatedbinary files, is shown. In some embodiments, a smart device waits todetect a MRC, such as in a standby mode 302. In some embodiments, thestandby mode is initiated by opening a software application on the smartdevice. In other embodiments, the firmware of the smart device readiesthe device to wait for an MRC when the smart device is powered on.

Once a MRC has been detected 304, the smart device determines whetherthe MRC is linked to a discrete binary file of a collection 306. In someembodiments, step 306 is accomplished by comparing the informationcontained within the detected MRC with a database log stored on thesmart device. Alternatively, step 306 is accomplished by comparing theinformation contained within the detected MRC with a database log storedat a remote location, such as a remote server that is accessible via anetwork connection. If the detected MRC is determined not to be linkedto a discrete binary file of a collection of binary files, the deviceignores the MRC and resumes a standby mode. If the detected MRC isdetermined to be linked to a discrete binary file of a collection ofbinary files, the device accesses the discrete binary file from thedatabase or other storage location 308. The smart device then executesor otherwise displays the information or content of the discrete binaryfile, such that a user may access the information or content 310.

In some embodiments, the smart device receives instructions to terminateexecution of the binary file 312. For example, in some embodiments auser will exit the software application which is being utilized by thesmart device to display the binary file. In other embodiments, thebinary file contains instruction for terminating playback or executionof the binary file upon completion of the binary file's intended use.Further, in some embodiments execution of the binary file isautomatically terminated following a download or installation of thebinary file on the smart device. In response to the instructions toterminate the discrete binary file 312, the smart device terminatesaccess to the binary file 314.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 400 for storing and providing accessto a collection of related binary files is shown. In some embodiments, aremote database of related binary files is stored and maintained as acollection 402. In some embodiments, database storage of a collection ofrelated binary files is offered as a service to an owner of a collectionof related binary files. In other embodiments, database storage of acollection of related binary files is provided as a resource whereby amanufacturer of items comprising a collection of discrete MRCs is ableto provide access to the collection of discrete, yet related binaryfiles which are linked to the collection of discrete MRCs coupled to orotherwise associated with the manufacturer's items.

In some embodiments, a business method is provided whereby electronicstorage is made available for storage of binary files which have beendetermined to be part of a defined collection of related binary files.The business method includes a step whereby a plurality of relatedbinary files are uploaded and cataloged within the electronic storage,thereby providing an accessible database for the related binary files.The database further comprises a database log, whereby the contents ofthe database are able to be searched by reference to the database log.In some embodiments, an owner or lessee of the collection of relatedbinary files rents or leases the electronic storage space. In otherembodiments, a plurality of collections are amassed and stored withinthe accessible database, thereby providing access to more than onecollection of related binary files.

In some embodiments, the database receives a request for a discretebinary file in response to a discrete MRC being scanned or otherwisedetected by a smart device 404. In some embodiments, the databasecompares the request to the contents of the database to locate thediscrete binary file within the database 406. If the requested binaryfile is located within the database, the discrete binary file is sent tothe requestor via a networked connection 408. If the requested binaryfile is not located within the database, an error message is generatedand sent to the requestor via a networked connection 410.

In some embodiments, the database further comprises password andusername protection, wherein the database requires the requestor tosubmit identifying information prior to sending the requested binaryfile. In other embodiments, the database further performs a systemscompatibility analysis to ensure that the requested binary file iscompatible with the system of the requestor.

To further illustrate the various teachings and embodiments describedabove, a schematic view of a consumer item 500, a smart device 510, anetwork connection 520 and a remote database 530 is shown in FIG. 7. Insome embodiments, a consumer item 500, such as a handbag, is providedhaving a plurality of MRCs 502. Each of the MRCs is distinctly linked toa discrete binary file 504 of a collection 506 of related binary files,which are stored on a database server 530. The smart device 510 is usedto scan or otherwise detect 512 one of the discrete MRCs 504. The smartdevice 510 then generates and sends a request 522 for the linkeddiscrete binary file 540 via network connection 520. Database server 530then locates the requested discrete binary file 540 and sends 542 thebinary file, or other information whereby to enable smart device 510 toaccess the requested binary file 540. Upon scanning additional membersof the collection of MRCs on consumer item 500, additional requests aresent to database server 530 thereby resulting in additional members 504of the collection 506 being send to or otherwise made available to smartdevice 510.

The method by which the collection of MRCs 502 is placed or presented onthe consumer item 500 may vary depending upon the type of consumer itemand an intended function of the MRCs. For example, in some embodimentsthe collection of MRCs 502 provide a decorative pattern on the consumeritem 500, such as a border. In other embodiments, the collection of MRCs602 are randomly presented on the consumer item 600, as shown in FIG.8A. Here, a nightgown or other piece of clothing comprises a pluralityof MRCs 602 which comprise a collection of MRCs. The method by which theMRCs have been arranged on the item 600 is random and serves no otherpurpose than to provide user access to the MRCs 602.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, a consumer item 700 is shown, wherein thecollection of MRCs 702 have been incorporated or camouflaged within apattern of the consumer item 700. As such, the presence of MRCs 702 isnot readably detectable. Further still, in some embodiments a collectionof MRCs 802 have been incorporated into a function feature of theconsumer item 800, as shown in FIG. 8C. In particular, in someembodiments the collection of MRCs 802 is incorporated into buttons 804of the consumer item 800. Thus, the MRCs 802 serve a dual function forthe consumer item 800.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a food packaging item 900 is shown whichincludes a collection of MRCs 902. In some embodiments, food packagingitem 900 comprises a theme or subject matter which targets a specificconsumer or group of consumers. Accordingly, in some embodiments thecollection of MRCs 902 is individually linked to a collection of binaryfiles (not shown) that are related to the subject matter of the foodpackaging item 900. For example, in some aspects of the presentinvention a MRC is linked to a binary file which contains a multimediafile related to the subject matter of the food packaging item 900.Further, additional MRCs of the food packaging item are linked tovarious binary files which contain additional information related to thesubject matter of the item 900.

EXAMPLES

From the foregoing, it will be seen that a smart device can gain accessto a collection of related binary files by provided a collection of MRCson a consumer item or other device, wherein the collection of MRCs areindividually linked to member binary files of the collection.Accordingly, one benefit of the present invention is to provide aconsumer with access to a collection of related binary files by sellinga consumer item which includes a collection of MRCs which are linked tothe binary files of the collection. The elements of the presentinvention achieve this benefit, as demonstrated in the examples below.

Example 1

In some embodiments an article of clothing, such as a pajama or anightgown is provided having a plurality of MRCs printed or otherwisedisplayed thereon. Each MRC is individually linked to binary file of acollection of bedtime stories. Upon scanning or detecting a discrete MRCon the article of clothing with a smart device, the smart devices gainsaccess to the linked binary file and presents a bedtime story to theuser. In some embodiments, the binary file comprises the text of thebedtime story, thereby requiring the user to read the story. In otherembodiments, the binary file comprises at least one of audio or video,thereby enabling the user to listen to, and/or watch the bedtime story.Further, in some embodiments the binary files enable the user to listento the story while following or reading-along with text provided on thesmart device.

Example 2

In some embodiments a book is provided having a discrete MRC printed oneach page of the book. Each MRC is individually linked to a binary of acollection of binary files, wherein each binary file is an audio filewhich contains the text of the page on which the discrete MRC isprovided. Thus, a reader is able to scan the MRC with a smart device andlisten to the audio file while reading or looking at the page.

Example 3

In some embodiments a book bag, backpack, folder or other school itemcomprises a collection of MRCs, wherein each MRC is distinctly linked toa discrete binary file containing information related to the owner ofthe book bag, backpack, folder or other school item. For example, insome embodiments a student's backpack comprises a first MRC which islinked to a binary file comprising report card information for thestudent, a second MRC which is linked to a binary file comprisinghomework information for the student, and a third MRC which is linked toa binary file comprising progress report information for the student. Afourth MRC may be further provided which is linked to a binary filecomprising a communication from the student's school or school teacher.In some embodiments, the MRCs are registered by the student's school orteacher and linked to the respective binary files in a databasemaintained by the school or teacher.

Example 4

In some embodiments a toy is provided which comprises a collection ofMRCs, wherein each MRC is linked to a discrete binary file of acollection of binary files which are related to the toy. For example,where the toy is an action figure, the collection of binary files mayinclude various website links, audio files, video files, text files,game files, etc. which are related to the action figure.

Example 5

In some embodiments a music CD is provided which comprises a collectionof MRCs, wherein each MRC is a music video file of the music provided onthe music CD. In some embodiments, the collection of MRCs is provided onthe music CD. In other embodiments the collection of MRCs is provided onthe packaging or cover of the music CD. In other embodiments thecollection of MRCs is provided on an insert within the packaging of themusic CD.

Example 6

In some embodiments a DVD is provided which comprises a collection MRCs,wherein each MRC is linked to a discrete binary file of a collection ofbinary files which are related to the DVD. For example, the collectionof binary files may include various website links, audio files, videofiles, text files, game files, and a digital download of the movie onthe DVD.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising a consumer item and having afirst discrete machine-recognizable code comprising a surface of theconsumer item and forming a perceptible design or pattern on theconsumer item, the first machine-recognizable code being linked to afirst discrete binary file of a collection of related binary files, theconsumer item further comprising a second discrete machine-recognizablecode comprising a surface of the consumer item and further forming aperceptible design or pattern on the consumer item, the secondmachine-recognizable code being linked to a second discrete binary fileof the collection of related binary files.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the first and second discrete machine-recognizable codes arereadable by a hand-held portable computer device.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein the collection of related binary files are stored in adatabase.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the database is located onthe hand-held portable computer device.
 5. The device of claim 3,wherein the database is accessible via a network connection.
 6. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first and second machine-recognizablecodes are printed on the consumer item.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the perceptible design or pattern of the consumer item consistsessentially of the first and second machine-recognizable codes.
 8. Asystem for enabling a user to access a collection of related binaryfiles, the system comprising: a device comprising a consumer item havinga first discrete machine-recognizable code comprising a surface of theconsumer item and providing a pattern or design on the surface of theconsumer item, the first discrete machine-recognizable code being linkedto a first discrete binary file of a collection of related binary files,the consumer item further comprising a second discretemachine-recognizable code comprising the surface of the consumer itemand providing a pattern or design on the surface of the consumer item,the second machine-recognizable code being linked to a second discretebinary file of the collection of related binary files; and a hand-heldcomputer device having a computer-readable medium for storing a computerexecutable software program for providing access to a discrete binaryfile of the collection of related binary files, the program includinginstructions for: recognizing a discrete machine-recognizable code;locating a database comprising the collection of related binary files;retrieving the discrete binary file linked to the recognized discretemachine-recognizable code; and displaying the retrieved discrete binaryfile on the computer device.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein thehand-held computer device is a smart device.
 10. The system of claim 8,wherein the hand-held computer device is at least one of a personaldigital assistant, a notebook computer, a processor-based consumerdevice, and a smartphone.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein theconsumer item is selected from a group consisting of an article ofclothing, packaging material, a book, a toy, memorabilia, bedding, aschool supply, a container, a computer screen, and a publication. 12.The system of claim 8, wherein the collection of related binary filesare related based upon at least one of a common author, a common theme,a common character, a common subject matter, a common owner, and acommon brand.
 13. Software, recorded on a computer-readable medium, forenabling a user to access a collection of related binary files, thesoftware performing the steps of: recognizing a first discretemachine-recognizable code comprising a surface of a consumer item andfurther comprising a design or pattern of the consumer item;establishing communication with a database stored on computer-readablemedium of a hand-held computer device, the database comprising acollection of related binary files; locating within the collection ofrelated binary files a discrete binary file linked to the first discretemachine-recognizable code; retrieving the discrete binary file linked tothe first machine-recognizable code; displaying the retrieved discretebinary file linked to the first discrete machine-recognizable code on adisplay of the hand-held computer device; recognizing a second discretemachine-recognizable code on the surface of the consumer item andfurther comprising a design or pattern of the consumer item;establishing communication with the database; locating within thecollection of related binary files a discrete binary file linked to thesecond machine-recognizable code; retrieving the discrete binary filelinked to the second machine-recognizable code; and displaying theretrieved discrete binary file linked to the second discretemachine-recognizable code on the display of the hand-held computerdevice.
 14. The software of claim 13, further including: recognizing aplurality of discrete machine-recognizable codes further comprising thesurface of the consumer item; establishing communication with thedatabase comprising the collection of related binary files; locatingwithin the collection of related binary files a plurality of discretebinary files linked to the plurality of discrete machine-recognizablecodes; retrieving the plurality of discrete binary files linked to theplurality of machine-recognizable codes; and displaying the retrievedplurality of discrete binary files linked to the plurality ofmachine-recognizable codes on the display of the hand-held computerdevice.
 15. The software of claim 13, wherein establishing communicationwith the database comprising the collection of related binary files isaccomplished via a wireless network connection.
 16. The software ofclaim 13, wherein the collection of related binary files comprises atleast one of a collection of stories, a collection of articles, acollection of photos, a collection of images, a collection of paintings,a collection of drawings, a collection of reports, a collection ofsongs, a collections of videos, and a collection of executable programs.17. The software of claim 16, wherein the collection of related binaryfiles is a collection of bedtime stories.
 18. The software of claim 13,wherein the retrieved discrete binary file is a single story from acollection of related stories.
 19. The software of claim 13, wherein thecollection of related binary files are related based upon at least oneof a common author, a common theme, a common character, a common subjectmatter, a common owner, and a common brand.